Protection offered with no fee

Raining cats and dogs!
I entered into a drug store,
enquired if umbrellas were sold.
An old lady, the owner — I am sure
she has already seen eighty summers —
with a smile, said: "Sorry, no!
No umbrella.
My umbrella you take.
I go home, no rain."

I declined her kindest offer.
She insisted.
She made at least ten sincere requests.
Finally I surrendered.
She gave me her own rain protection.
I gave her 100 yen.
She refused adamantly.
"No money.
Gift, my gift.
Go home!"

Perhaps the flow of my doleful gratitude
pierced her heart.
She changed her mind.
Smiling, she took the money from me and
gave me three beautiful handkerchiefs in
return.

On the morrow the rain ceased.
I entered into a shop to buy a suitcase.
I saw the shop selling umbrellas, too.
Soon I came to discover
the price of umbrellas.
The one the old lady with the gold heart had
given me was worth 460 yen.
This time I prayed to God
to thank her on my behalf.
God did listen to my prayer.